Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Cool, crunchy, and loaded with savory sesame flavors, this Sesame Celery Salad is the perfect side for a summer full of outdoor grillings and gatherings. 

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Celery seems forgotten. While it is a base for aromatic flavor in a mirepoix, it seldom takes center stage—that is, until now. With this recipe for Sesame Celery Salad, the crispy snack becomes a meal’s perfect companion. Simple prep leads to a salad with an intriguing flavor profile, while preserving the crisp and refreshing texture of celery.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

After the celery is cleaned and cut, bring the celery to a boil, followed by an icy water bath. This will reduce the intense raw flavor of the celery but also preserve its crispiness. 

As the celery is cooking, the dressing can be assembled. Soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic are all you need. 

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Dress the cooled-down celery with the sauce, refrigerate, and then serve. Chilling the celery with the dressing allows the flavors to penetrate into the celery and create a melded and cohesive flavor.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

A garnishing of sesame seeds drives home the nutty elements of the sesame oil in the dressing, making for a perfect compliment and continuation of the umami-rich ingredients. 

Crunchy, salty, and savory, Sesame Celery Salad is the perfect companion to fatty roasted or grilled cuts of meat or a companion to contrast the wall creamy carby side pasta salads.